PHILIPSBURG:---  The Permanent Committee of Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Husbandry (CAFAH) of Parliament will be meeting on March 13, 2026.

The Committee meeting is scheduled for Friday at 11.00 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg. Representatives of Native Nations SXM will be in attendance.

The agenda point is:

Presentation by Native Nations on the proposed regulatory model for the legalization and regulation of cannabis in Sint Maarten (IS/ 410/2025-2026 dated December 2, 2025)

Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations. All persons visiting the House of Parliament must adhere to the house rules.

The House of Parliament is located across from the Court House in Philipsburg.

The parliamentary sessions will be carried live on TV 15, Soualiga Headlines, via SXM GOV radio FM 107.9, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the internet www.sxmparliament.org; www.youtube.com/c/SintMaartenParliament and www.pearlfmradio.sx

THE VALLEY ANGUILLA:---  Health authorities have announced the island’s first locally acquired case of West Nile virus after a 25-year-old resident fell ill earlier this month.
The Ministry of Health reported that the individual began showing symptoms on March 7, including fever, headache, vomiting, and right-sided abdominal pain. Laboratory tests conducted on March 10 confirmed the diagnosis via PCR. Officials noted that the patient had no recent travel history, suggesting the patient contracted the virus locally.
The patient is currently hospitalized, receiving supportive care, and is in stable condition.
West Nile virus, a mosquito-borne illness, is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes, particularly those of the Culex species. The virus typically circulates between mosquitoes and birds, which act as its primary hosts. Humans can become infected through mosquito bites, but the virus is not spread from person to person, nor can humans transmit it back to mosquitoes.
While this marks Anguilla’s first confirmed human case, the virus has been detected in birds, horses, and mosquitoes across the Caribbean since the early 2000s.
Most individuals infected with West Nile virus experience no symptoms or only mild illness. When symptoms do occur, they may include:
• Fever
• Headache
• Body aches
• Nausea or vomiting
In rare instances, the virus can lead to severe neurological complications, such as brain or nervous system inflammation.
Health officials are urging residents to seek immediate medical attention if they experience serious symptoms, including:
• High fever
• Severe headache
• Stiff neck
• Confusion
• Tremors or seizures
• Muscle weakness
• Vision problems
• Numbness or loss of consciousness
To prevent further infections, authorities are reminding the public to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and take protective measures against mosquito bites.

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport, and Telecommunication (TEATT) sits at the center of a growing financial controversy. Minister Grisha Heyliger-Marten faces intense scrutiny regarding her handling of the Soul Beach Music Festival and the highly contested Social Economic Council (SER) report used to justify its costs.

Responding to criticism, Minister Heyliger-Marten defended her ministry’s actions: “The Soul Beach Music Festival was a calculated investment intended to boost our island’s economy and tourism,” she stated in parliament on Wednesday. “All actions taken were in the best interest of the people of St. Maarten and designed to bring tangible benefits to our community.”

On the SER report’s methodology, she further clarified, “While the report relied on data from the festival organizers, we believed it offered a realistic projection of the event’s potential. The economic impact of such activities must not be underestimated, and our goal was to provide Parliament and the public with as much information as possible.”

Minister Heyliger-Marten acknowledged the concerns about transparency and process, adding, “I am committed to working closely with Parliament to address these procedural questions, and I welcome any audit or additional oversight. Transparency is a cornerstone of this Ministry, and I stand by our intent to act with integrity and accountability.”

At the heart of the dispute is a $500,000 commitment to public funds. The government disbursed this massive subsidy without proper budgetary allocation or prior parliamentary approval. While we all want to see vibrant economic activity and booming tourism on the island, bypassing established financial laws has drawn fierce backlash from lawmakers and the public alike.

A Disputed Economic Impact

To defend the half-million-dollar expenditure, Minister Heyliger-Marten and the government presented an SER report. She asserted, “We believe the Soul Beach Music Festival generated substantial value for St. Maarten, with the SER report indicating an upper bound estimate of $7.2 million in economic impact.” Addressing concerns about the figures, she added, “Our intention was to provide a comprehensive overview of potential benefits. Events like Soul Beach can be transformative for the local economy—not just in direct revenue but in long-term visibility and job creation.” However, the methodology behind this report quickly collapsed under parliamentary review.

Critics pointed out a glaring conflict of interest: the report relied entirely on attendance figures and financial data provided by the festival organizers themselves. The Ministry of TEATT did not conduct an independent audit, nor did they hire a third party to verify the visitor numbers. Presenting organizer-supplied data as an impartial analysis has fueled accusations of administrative manipulation and lack of transparency.

Financial Mismanagement Claims

The controversy places heavy pressure on Minister Heyliger-Marten's leadership. Addressing concerns about the legal process, she remarked, “I acknowledge the need to follow legal and budgetary procedures closely. The decision to allocate funds for Soul Beach was made with the view that it would yield both immediate and long-term benefits for St. Maarten.” She continued, “We are committed to upholding fiscal responsibility, and if there were oversights, I welcome any constructive feedback and investigation. It was never the intention to circumvent protocol, but to act decisively in the best interest of our people.” Parliamentarians, however, argue that releasing $500,000 without a formal budget amendment represents a severe breach of financial protocol.

The SER report itself noted irregular financial practices and a failure to adhere to the standard subsidy ordinance. This raises immediate questions for the Minister. Did the organizers submit the required financial and activity reports as mandated by law? Why did the Ministry fail to bring a budget amendment to Parliament before signing the checks?

Lawmakers contrast this rapid, unauthorized payout with the struggles of other government sectors, noting that essential services often fight for basic funding while this festival received immediate financial backing.

Demanding Accountability

The debate over the Soul Beach Music Festival highlights a broader issue of governance and public trust. The continuous disregard for budgetary rules damages the credibility of the TEATT Ministry. In response to increasing calls for transparency, Minister Heyliger-Marten said, “I understand and respect Parliament’s right to demand full disclosure and scrutiny of every step taken. I have no objection to making all relevant documents available and remain open to ongoing dialogue with lawmakers and the public.” Reiterating her stance on public accountability, she added, “Our community deserves straightforward answers, and I am fully committed to ensuring that the process remains transparent from start to finish.”

Parliament now demands that Minister Heyliger-Marten provide full transparency. Lawmakers are calling for the immediate submission of all documents, including original agreements, financial reports, post-event evaluations, and all correspondence related to the festival subsidy.

As the pressure mounts, the public watches closely. We need a government that balances aggressive tourism development with strict fiscal responsibility. Minister Heyliger-Marten must now answer these critical questions and prove that her Ministry can manage public funds with the integrity the people of St. Maarten expect.

PHILIPSBURG:--- A heated parliamentary session has once again brought the Philipsburg marketplace to the forefront, with Member of Parliament Darryl York leading a fierce critique of its current state and the government's perceived inaction. MP York did not hold back, voicing his frustration over the prolonged neglect and what he described as a failure to deliver on promises made to the vendors who operate there.

The discussion ignited as MP York challenged the government's handling of the marketplace, questioning why progress has stalled despite previous commitments. "I am tired of hearing about the marketplace," York stated emphatically during the session. "We talk and talk, but the people operating there are still suffering. When will we move from discussion to decisive action?"

A Litany of Concerns

MP York's statements painted a grim picture of the conditions vendors face daily. He raised critical issues, including a lack of basic facilities, inadequate shelter from the elements, and a general state of disrepair that he argued is not only a disservice to the vendors but also a poor reflection on St. Maarten's image as a premier tourist destination. "We are inviting visitors to our island, and this is the first impression we give them. It’s unacceptable," he continued.

His concerns were echoed by several other members of parliament. MP Omar Ottley emphasized, “The marketplace is more than just a trading spot—it’s the backbone for many families. We need a timeline, not just words.” MP Egbert Doran questioned the allocation of funds, warning that, “Until there is transparency about where the budget is going, we cannot expect progress.” MP Ardwell Irion added, “Vendor input must be part of any renovation plan. They deserve a seat at the table.”

MP Francisco Lacroes voiced impatience with the ongoing delays, saying, “We cannot keep making promises. The vendors and the public deserve action, not more reports.” MP Lyndon Lewis further pressed the administration: “It’s high time we outlined exactly how and when the market will be transformed, and what interim arrangements are there for the vendors during rehabilitation?”

In response to the concerns, Minister of TEATT Grisha Heyliger-Marten assured Parliament that the government is committed to addressing them. She stated, “We acknowledge the frustrations raised by the MPs and assure you that a comprehensive plan is in development. The Ministry is currently finalizing proposals that balance funding realities with the urgent needs of vendors.” The Minister further promised to engage vendors in upcoming consultations and to deliver a clear timeline for improvements at the next parliamentary sitting.

Calls for a Concrete Plan

The discussion moved beyond mere criticism to a demand for tangible solutions. Parliamentarians pressed the responsible ministers for a detailed roadmap. They are seeking firm commitments on when construction or refurbishment will begin, how the project will be funded, and what support will be offered to vendors during any transitional period.

The sentiment in the room was clear: the time for studies and temporary fixes is over. The marketplace vendors, who are a vital part of the local economy and culture, have waited long enough for a safe, modern, and functional place of business. The debate underscored a demand for a permanent solution that honors their contribution to the community.

As the session concluded, the pressure on the government to act decisively has intensified. MP York and his colleagues have made it clear they will continue to hold the administration's feet to the fire until a real, visible transformation of the Philipsburg marketplace begins. The vendors and the public now watch to see if these impassioned words will finally translate into long-awaited action.